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darthkipsu's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
halkid2's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Compelling from page one, this historical novel is author Erin Litteken’s fictionized version of the history of her Ukrainian ancestors, based on family stories told to her through the decades. THE LOST DAUGHTERS OF UKRAINE is one of the most powerful World War II novels I’ve read. But it’s not for the faint hearted. Instead, it’s an intense experience — full of random acts of violence, persistent persecution, relentless fear, and unimaginable suffering. A true showcase for both the best and worst of human nature. Awarded four stars on Goodreads. But 4.5 might be more on target.
At the heart of this story is the long-fought battle for the strategically located territory of Volhynia within the country we now call Ukraine. Native Ukrainians, Soviets, Poles, and Germans all covet the region for its fertile farm land. (I imagine the very same reason Russia is currently at war to re-take control of Ukraine.) But aside from the author offering a brief and very helpful political context at the start of the book, the novel focuses on the war’s impact on three women/girls during the years between 1941 (early in World War II) and 1949 (through the post-war reality faced by millions of displaced persons).
• Vika, a mother of four, whose life’s work is protecting her children and remaining on the family’s modest farm in Ukraine. Until the encroaching war threatens them all.
• Liliya, a teenager and talented artist, who dreams of going to university, especially after suffering the loss of her idolized older brother at the hands of Soviet police. The war forces her to realign those priorities.
• Halya - a child who faces tragedy again and again but still remains open to friendship and love.
If you’re like me, these women’s stories provide a sense of what it is to actually live through war, facing constant danger, hunger, and deprivation — not to mention worry about absent loved ones. These three women live in a state of continual anxiety. I found I had to put the book down periodically just to give myself a chance to breathe. A luxury I realize the characters did not have.
THE LOST DAUGHTERS OF UKRAINE is a real page turner. (I read it in 24 hours.) My only criticism of the writing is minor and concerns the way Erin Litteken tied things up at the end. A bit too neatly for me. But that didn’t limit my enjoyment of reading this novel, which I strongly recommend.
At the heart of this story is the long-fought battle for the strategically located territory of Volhynia within the country we now call Ukraine. Native Ukrainians, Soviets, Poles, and Germans all covet the region for its fertile farm land. (I imagine the very same reason Russia is currently at war to re-take control of Ukraine.) But aside from the author offering a brief and very helpful political context at the start of the book, the novel focuses on the war’s impact on three women/girls during the years between 1941 (early in World War II) and 1949 (through the post-war reality faced by millions of displaced persons).
• Vika, a mother of four, whose life’s work is protecting her children and remaining on the family’s modest farm in Ukraine. Until the encroaching war threatens them all.
• Liliya, a teenager and talented artist, who dreams of going to university, especially after suffering the loss of her idolized older brother at the hands of Soviet police. The war forces her to realign those priorities.
• Halya - a child who faces tragedy again and again but still remains open to friendship and love.
If you’re like me, these women’s stories provide a sense of what it is to actually live through war, facing constant danger, hunger, and deprivation — not to mention worry about absent loved ones. These three women live in a state of continual anxiety. I found I had to put the book down periodically just to give myself a chance to breathe. A luxury I realize the characters did not have.
THE LOST DAUGHTERS OF UKRAINE is a real page turner. (I read it in 24 hours.) My only criticism of the writing is minor and concerns the way Erin Litteken tied things up at the end. A bit too neatly for me. But that didn’t limit my enjoyment of reading this novel, which I strongly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, and Sexual harassment
francisca69's review against another edition
5.0
Dit is het tweede boek van Erin Litteken, maar achterin het eerste boek, Dochters van Kiev, heeft ze het erover dat ook dit boek geschreven moest worden omdat hier een groot deel van de verhalen van haar voorouders in verwerkt zit. Toen ik dat las heb ik het boek meteen gekocht maar het lezen liet alleen even op zich wachten. Ik heb het boek overigens afwisselend gelezen en geluisterd. Dit verhaal is net zo intens als het eerste boek en ik kan alleen maar zeggen, lees dit!
marielle68's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
tatydk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
andersahrenst's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
One of the best books I’ve read in a Long time. The description of the war and what it means to a normal Family Living in it is very detailed. Hard not to be affected by this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War